Dont forget the Camera

Facebook frenzy

2009-09-29T21:10:00.003+01:00

Ive now come to the conclusion that nobody is reading this! Not surprising since I've never really advertised myself and Im too disinterested to read other peoples blogs and bother commenting.
I've been really busy you see!
I've found facebook!
The buzz....I havent smiled so much at my screen..since...well since I discovered porn rooms with cams on Yahoo Messenger.
All of a sudden you are in touch with people you thought youd never see again. Its almost like theyve opened their curtains and allowed you to peer into their living room while you, in turn, are winding up your blinds and putting your best china or photos out there for their delectation. Suddenly you find yourself looking at photos taken by a stranger on the other side of the world, someone you'll never meet and all because they've added a tag that lets you know one of your facebook buddies got their mush in the frame.
This is networking gone crazy..wonderfully.. amazingly mad.
I love it.
I cant get enough of it.
Well until tonight that is..when I realised that some of my buddies have hundreds of facebook friends and I only have 27!
Nobody likes me!
I dont know anybody anyway.
And as for the rest, I find myself uncomfortably reminded of those who have misunderstood me down through the years.
Oh dear!

Chinese Takeaway

2009-09-27T09:30:00.006+01:00

China are taking the lead

I've always enjoyed David McWilliams articles, if he was a fortune teller Id be happy to cross his hand with a tenner. In todays Indo he talks about the Chinese government and how they are using all those American Dollars and bonds to buy up the sources of industrial raw materials around the world. Myself and The Bro were only discussing the Chinese the other night! Says he " have you ever noticed a Chinese person in the que at the Social Welfare office?"; "Actually, No" I replied. "Thats because they WORK" he said, "The Chinese always work, at something, at anything".
Hes quite right and they are also excellent gamblers and talented poker players.
If I understand Mc Williams correctly he believes that China is poised to become The world superpower of the 21st century. I'm inclined to agree.

and as for the Lisbon Treaty referendum
My sister has just found me on facebook and she used the opportunity to remind me to vote No to Lisbon. Well, Im not voting No, and Im not voting Yes. Im simply not voting and the reason is that I dont really care one way or the other. I still dont fully understand the point of the Treaty or the point of my having to vote for it. Last year, the government told us 'Vote yes to Lisbon, its good for Ireland'. This year they tell us that the issues with the Treaty have been negotiated and ironed out and its all good and we should vote Yes. So what?...were they lying last year?...because they told us it was all good then too.
I reckon, turnout for this referendum will be lucky to hit 40%. Those who are determined that the No side win will be there at the ballot box as will those who are determined that the outcome is a resounding Yes. The rest of us will most likely stay at home and have our tea and watch telly. The outcome of the referendum is far from certain at this stage and I believe the No side have a fighting chance. Like I said, I wont be voting, and I dont really care either way but being a fully paid up member of the EU has its advantages when you are heading off to Spain for your holiers.
Its probably best for us if the Yes side takes it..but would'nt it make great Television if the No side prevail and Cowan has to take his cap off and crawl over to Brussles to explain why the unruly Irish peasantry never do what they're told.

Eighties Revisited

2009-08-11T09:49:00.004+01:00

A few weeks ago a fellow online adventurer Mr J L Pagano twittered that he was listening to a song called Down to Earth released back in the 80s by Curiosity Killed the Cat. I gave it a play and was reminded of the girl I once was way back when. In keeping with this retro buzz I found another song from around the same time. A band called Hue and Cry with this song Labour of Love.
Still well worth a listen in my humbly retro opinion

Hack Attack?

2009-08-06T15:51:00.000+01:00

Twitter is Down and I feel a malicious kind of glee. Is that strange? There are people at this moment in this city who are on the bus, or walking or drinking coffee or reading the sports results unable to share their interesting activities with the twittering world. How horrible for them!

Facebook is down too. No problem I lived without it until two weeks ago..so I reckon I can manage now.

The question is: is this a hack attack or what?

The other side of the city

2009-08-03T20:28:00.006+01:00

Its seems ages since I posted here. A holiday ago. But Im back now, and just in time to hear that this July is the wettest on record. Looks like we should change our holiday and high season back to May/June so as to avoid the Irish Monsoons. If this is climate change Im not sure I like it.

Nonetheless you cant stay indoors waiting for the sun to shine. So yesterday, myself, himself and the bro headed off to Killiney Hill for a walk. Nobody told us we would have to stumble up inclines of Everestian proportions. I got himself to push me and the bro a bit of the way. He just walked behind us with a hand firmly pressed against our backs. It really took the pressure of our poor legs.

Having reached the top of the hill we were greeted by a wonderful view of Dublin bay. What a wonderful amenity Killiney Hill Park truely is. The paths and trails wind their way from woodland to coastal scrub. Turn one way and you can enjoy the Dublin Mountains gathered in the distance, turn the other and an expanse of sea opens before you. Lovely indeed.

What goes up must come down, so we descended in the direction of Vico Road. My first impression was puzzlement regarding the whereabouts of its salubrious residents.The place was deserted. We oohed and aahed at the seafront cottages with tennis courts perched precariously on balconies above the sea, solely for show it would seem. Terraces with sweeping views of Dublin Bay, stunning, I imagine, but nobody was enjoying the scenery. Beautiful but lifeless mansions. Empty. I was disappointed. Id hoped to spot someone famous; empty too, were not one, but several derelict buildings on Vico and its environs. The bro enquired if I knew anything about how long he would have to shack up next door to Bono in order for squatters rights to apply! Unusually for me, I didnt have an answer but advised he consider moving himself in asap.

My little band of adventurers from the far away country of Clondalkin were alone for most of our walk, the one exception to our solitude being a band of spanish tourists searcing for the Hewson residence. One young one insisted on posing for a picture at every signicant gate she passed. Once they had passed we were alone again and climbing our way back up Killiney Hill but this time instead of woodland paths we were ascending the steeply stuffy backwater of Torca Road. I imagine I saw a voille curtain twitching as three cheaply clad, ciggerette toting, liberally cursing raggle taggle band of randomers passed.

Thankfully we made it at last to the carpark of the Killiney Castle Hotel and setting our SatNav for home we drove off in a generally westerly direction.

Viva La Recession

2009-06-13T17:07:00.005+01:00

Im really enjoying this recession. You'll know what I mean if you, (like me) feel inexplicably drawn to Sale Rails and Bargain Baskets.

During a recession theres no need to feel like an 'also ran' when your mates are in competition to see who'll be first to add the latest 'must have' designer item to their inventory. You can just smile benignly, wave bye bye and dissappear Penneys while loudly declaring yourself a seasoned 'Recessionista'.

So you will understand if I say that every time I hear talk of those 'green shoots of economic recovery' I want to reach for the industrial strength weedkiller.

just in case anyone is looking for me...

2009-05-23T08:40:00.003+01:00

I will be in Spain this week catching some of that brilliant costa sunshine and hopefully capturing some amazing photographs as well.

In the meantime and for the record:

Having listened to tales from survivors of childhood abuse over the last few days I can only call these people heros. It is a testament to the resiliance of little children that they survived and grew up into functioning adults. Heros one and all!

What is it over at RTE radio that has presenters and news casters running scared every time someone criticises the government. During the week while interviewing anti Fianna Failer David Mc Williams Derek Mooney went out of his way to remind the listeners that any negative views about Fianna Fail were not RTES or his own. He then went on to make a rather cryptic remark about politics being everwhere. My take on that is that the management at RTE are gagging their presenters. But why? And at whos behest?

Yesterday morning I called in to the recruitment agency that Ive worked sucessfully with for some years. They were a thriving company set up 10 years ago. A poster on the front door warns that 'There will be no talk of Recession on these premises'. However there is no avoiding the downturn, especially not in the recruitment business. The owner, an indominatable lady who ruled her empire from the bastion of her upstairs executive office is now manning reception with the part time assistance of her former accounts manager. Like flood water the recession has found its way through the sandbags of optimism.

A little bit of photoshopping

2009-05-15T21:47:00.004+01:00

Sometimes when I get bored I start to fiddle around in Adobe Photoshop. I got some very nice comments on this image at my flickr site

Ways to make you go OOH.

2009-05-09T14:20:00.002+01:00

What do you think about that?

2009-05-06T22:57:00.004+01:00

This paragraph from an article in US paper The Weekly Standard is really thought provoking: Over the last 20 years, Ireland found riches a good substitute for its traditional culture. But now the country has been harder hit by the financial downturn than any country in Western Europe. We may be about to discover what happens when a traditionally poor country returns to poverty without its culture.

Obamas right: look after your own!

2009-05-04T17:04:00.004+01:00

So Obama has taken the protectionist bull by the horns! And why wouldnt he? Globalisation is all very well but only once you've fed and watered your own people.

Its a bit of a kick in the teeth to the Fianna Fail policy of dependence on attracting US multinationals to feed and water the Irish electorate. Well fair play to the USA I say. Look after your own!

Yesterday I drove from Dublin to Killarney. What a jewel of a country we live in. Lush green fields at every turn. Enough land to produce food and clothes for the people of this country with enough to spare for exports.

DeValeras vision revisited?
Perhaps!

We Irish have allowed our own back yard to go unused. Europe is paying us to remain unproductive. In my view, Obama is doing us a favour. If the closure of another couple of multinationals is what it takes to get the Irish people up of their arses and back to being productive and using our greatest asset, our land, then I say...
Way to go President Obama. Yes we can.

Champagne Paddies escape recession on the costa blanca.

2009-04-29T14:22:00.004+01:00

I really must update this blog but truth is Im absolutely knackered after a weekend of partying in Cabo Roig on the Costa Blanca. Hundreds of fellow paddies filled the Ryanair flight to Murcia weighed down with euros. Bars and their staff seemed rushed off their feet after a winter season that had seen some shops and pubs go to the wall due to lack of custom. Indeed one barmaid asked me if it was a holiday weekend in Ireland, so surprised was she at the numbers of us spending like there was no tomorrow.

Theres nothing I like better than a good political debate when I have a few drinks on me..so I started the ball rolling at 3.30am on Sunday morning outside the Trinity Bar, a popular late night watering hole for Paddies who dont want to go home. The consensus of opinion was very anti Brian Cowan and Fianna Fail..but as one guy told me: "what choice do we have, who else can lead the country?". When I put forward the proposition of a people revolution (led by me)I was met by wall of resistance. "Look here missus", said one punter, "I still have a job, Ive got a few bob in my pocket and I plan to turn off the radio and ignore all talk of recession". Yes, it seems that the "Im alright Jack' brigade are growing in number.
Who can blame them really.

The problem of finding jobs for almost 400,000 seems insoluble. If you've got a job then all you need to do is avert your eyes if you find yourself passing the que at your local welfare office. If you hear about gangland crime then breath a sigh of relief that you arent living in one of the areas where people are being held to ransom by teenagers with guns.

Lets be positive here.

Lets not admit that the party is over. Lets not admit that we cant create enough jobs to go around now or in the future. Lets not examine the reality that we are going to have to sacrifice our champagne lifestyles to pay the growing welfare bill. Lets not face the fact that in this small city of Dublin none of us are more than a mile or two from a coked up teen with a gun.
As the song goes "Lets face the music and dance".

I couldnt be bothered blogging.

2009-04-23T21:08:00.003+01:00

So I did'nt. Why force yourself?

I mean, I couldnt really think of anything 'fresh' or 'relevant' to type about.

And then I thought, feck it, I'll do a twitter and just type what I've been doing.

So: for starters I started a Start Your Own Business course run by FAS and (because Im unemployed) funded by YOU Mr and Mrs Taxpayer. Which is why I shouldnt really admit that I made up an excuse and bunked the second half of my second night. Last night was first night and those arriving were pointed to a table in the canteen where they should take a seat and wait for the lecturer. Its pretty uncomfortable sitting around a table with 19 strangers, not knowing where to look, and hoping that somebody in this unintroduced group will take the iniative and say something. Once we had been led to our lecture room everyone introduced themselves. There were 19 pretty impressive people and me! 15 out of a group of 20 were unemployed. Builders,journalists,mechanics,graduates,architects. People who would never have had to consider going it on their own in better times. There were also a few who had already started or were well on the way to starting their own businesses. I felt a little sorry for our lecturer, who had never started a business himself but had carved a career at FAS after his career in management at SDS ended with its closure; Some of his students appeared to know more than he did!

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I will be going back next week for sure. I find my classmates and lecturer fascinating. But then again I dont get out much!

Reflections from a graduate of the University of Talk Radio

2009-04-09T12:18:00.005+01:00

I remember the 80s vividly! I was a 20 something with 4 little children and a young husband who was unemployed for most of the decade. In my neighbourhood unemployment, which stood at almost 60% was running higher than the national average of 20 per cent. We didnt have a spare penny! Times were hard and sometimes soul destroying. We managed though!. I managed because I was lucky enough to live in a 'poor' area. Nobody had luxuries and as a child of the 70s I had never known luxury. You dont miss what you've never had I guess, and if nobody else has anything you dont feel different. Which is why I feel sorry for those who find themselves for the first time in their experience faced with the prospect of lower living standards. This recession will wipe the floor with the aspirations of the Celtic Tiger children.

I listened to talk radio a lot in the 80s. Radio was my open university. Presenters like Gay Byrne and Pat Kenny were my lecturers. I learnt about economy and society while I changed nappies. Some 'lectures' have remained in my memory and coloured my view of Ireland and being Irish. I recall one debate on whether Ireland would ever be able to provide full employment for its children. Most people agreed that we were a small country, lacking in natural resources and low in indigeneous industry and so expectations of 100% employment seemed a pipe dream. Emigration was robbing Ireland of yet another generation. But it wasnt the poorest who left, it was the brightest, the best educated, the most ambitious. The rest of us stayed here and qued each week for our 'labour'. My estate was filled with unemployed men who had entered the trades in the 70s but had never completed their apprenticships. The rest were people who had worked in traditional areas of manufacturing such as clothing. The 70s saw the influx of cheaper asian products and many factories that had employed generations of the same family went to the wall. I wonder now, if the (almost) full employment of the last decade was nothing but an abherration. Should we once again face up to the fact that full employment in Ireland is a dream and not an expectation.
People looked after themselves in the 80s so the black economy flourished. If my loo got blocked I could call on Joe down the road who once worked with a plumber. If you could afford it, Dave, who got laid of before completing his apprenticship as a diesal mechanic, could fix you up with a dangerous banger which you would drive about in untaxed and uninsured. Everybody broke the law in small ways. We bought dodgy clothes from our local shoplifters, we didnt declare the money we earned on nixers to the dole officer, we borrowed a neighbours ladder to connect our pipe tv. Those laws were for the rich people, the people who owned their own little 3up 2 down terrace and had a job in the civil service. Recession creates its own subculture. Its not a bad subculture either, when you get used to it.

So, I move on from my memories of recession 1989 style and on to recession 2009. This morning I passed the welfare office in Clondalkin. A que of early arrivers stood in an orderly line that stretched as far as the South Dublin County Council Offices, where one assumes, sitting councilers are working out their manifestos for the coming local elections. The unemployed were forgotten in the 80s. Unemployment was about figures, percentages, social welfare spending. The employed avoided those on welfare as if afraid that they might contract the virus of joblessness. I hope that the unemployed will not be forgotten this time round. The numbers of jobless may level off this year or next but they will not decline to any degree. Through lack of use, people will lose skills and confidence built up over the last years. Some people will never work again. Some people will turn to crime. Unemployment is about People. Remember that.

Goods were more expensive in my teens and twenties. In terms of buying power, we've never had it so good. Once upon a time a television could cost a few months wages. Everybody I knew rented their tellies from Murphys in Talbot St. My point is this: in recession circa 89, for the ordinary joe soap prices and, inflation were up, forward to recession 09 and prices are down, or so we're told. Well, my bet is, that we will start to see rising costs this year or next. This will be another great shock to the system of the tiger generation.

Ive graduated from the university of talk radio. Ive learned a lot about life in the years since 1981. Ive learned not to trust those who would have me believe they are fit to lead or guide me. I believe my own gut instincts. And my gut is saying to me "who ultimately profitted from the property boom? The people who sold the land, the stony weed filled fields and garbage strewn vacant lots, unwanted in the 80s but suddenly worth millions. Who were these people? Do we know them? Are they sitting on boards in our failed banks? Are they sitting in our dail? Are they currently living the high life in Florida or Barbados? Are they people who bought land and then sold it on to themselves with the help of those indispensible advisors to the white collar criminal, the accountants. These are the lucky winners of the Celtic Tiger Draw.

And so, the government must turn again to the only people who can bail Ireland Inc out of its mess. The people who carry the entrepreneurs and tycoons on their shoulders. Yes, society needs risk takers and entreprenuers to move forward but lets not forget that they can ride high only because the common man is carrying them. They COULDNT succeed without us. We carried the boom on our shoulders. Me, you, all of us who are members of the working and middle classes. And now we shoulder the bust. This is how human society works.

Recession isnt fair. It hits the poorest hardest. People become numbers. Politicians cover their own arses and help their golf club buddies stay rich. And eventually we at the bottom of the pyramid can expect to be thrown a few crumbs of prosperity when the cycle starts over again.

PC World could damage your wealth.

2009-04-03T16:43:00.006+01:00

I wasnt sure whether to choose PC World or Currys at Liffey Valley when I went to buy a replacement charger for my laptop. Both are part of the same group yet maintain seperate stores next door to each other.
I chose PC World and as soon as I stepped inside the door I was met by a line of 3 retail associates. I wondered if there was some sort of instore promotion and whether one of them would pounce upon me congratulating their one millionth customer and filling my arms with free goodies but soon realised they were probably just bored and amusing themselves with a game of 'catch the customer'. So when the guy who 'caught' me asked if he could be of any assistance I replied that Id come to buy a laptop charger. He looked at me squarely without moving to let me past and replied. Yes, we stock them, they cost 89.95! What??? I could nearly buy a new laptop for THAT! Im not paying 90 euro for a charger!!! He shrugged and I charged (no pun..) out the door.
Theres a happy ending to my story though. Inspiration sent me to Power City on my way home and they kitted me out with a universal charger thing that worked perfectly and only cost 30 quid.
As for PC World, if they dont want customers why dont they just lock the doors.

Its just a bad dream?

2009-04-03T00:32:00.003+01:00

Ive been in a reflective mood after a day spent listening to news radio.
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After hearing IBEQs suggestion that social welfare should be cut by 3% in the Budget I wondered about the disruption 371,000 unemployed people marching on IBEQs headquarters would cause. Maybe a half million unemployed by the end of this year: thats a powerful number of people, thats a powerful lobby for change, thats a force to be reckoned with.
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About deflation, heres what I reckon. If theres something you need, say, a sofa, or a new washing machine, whatever...now is the time to buy it. Why? Because what comes down (deflation, cost of goods etc) must go up; And I believe that when prices start to go up they will do so very fast. Thats how it is in a recession; goods cost more money even though consumers have less to spend. This is why Im going to look for a nice corner suite that will do me until this bloody crisis is over.
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Maybe its all just a bad dream? Am I the only one who feels like that? Look, Ive been reading about the bust since it started, I've been predicting a bust since the boom started, Ive been an avid listener to radio talk shows about booms and busts. So why do I feel like the recession hasnt sunk in yet. Maybe it really is just a bad dream!
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Right, its time for me to go and watch back to back episodes of A Place in the Sun and Location Location Location. Try it yourself. You can totally block out all thoughts of recession after two hours of old tiger economy Tv shows

Twittering for twitiots.

2009-03-26T22:07:00.002Z

I think Id better give up twittering after watching this video fromCurrent TV.

Exclusive. Grand Slammers leave for victory.

2009-03-25T20:55:00.003Z

Rugby fans are in for a little treat here. I was lucky enough to be at Killiney Castle last week when the lads left for that historic match in Cardiff.

My new neighbours

2009-03-25T10:03:00.006Z

Thursday 26th.
A horrible magpie got at the nest yesterday and took the poor little chicks (and most of the nest as well). The robins flew towards the nest with food later but wouldnt go in for some time. Eventually one approached the nest and looked in. Aww. I reckon Im going to buy some nesting boxes.

Ive been watching a pair of robins who've made a cosy home in the ivy outside my back door.
Daddys just caught dinner

Mummy Robin peeps out of the nest

They are back and forth to the nest with tasty titbits for their new babies. I would have liked to get a clear shot of them flying out of the nest but this blurry image is the best I could manage

Gizza Euro Bud!

2009-03-22T14:21:00.003Z

The Star ran an article last week about roadside beggers come con-artists. One lady who describes herself as a Kosovan single mother with money troubles is selling candles on a northside dual carriagway; A Romanian gent with disfigured limbs begs on a south dublin street before making a miracle recovery when his plastic bag is full of euros. Surprise surprise, if you didnt already know it professional begging is big business with tax free profits, no overheads and no employee rights.

I might give it a try myself....it shouldnt be too difficult. After all beggers cant be choosers and a jobs a job

Enjoy the Recession (weather permitting)

2009-03-15T22:43:00.011Z

I decided I needed a fix of doom agus gloom after a pretty good week. I didnt have far to look. Reading this article in the Sunday Indo was like having the first puff of a ciggie after a 12 hour flight

Lets not worry too much though. The weather so far this spring is much dryer than last so maybe we can look forward to a sunny summer. Life is so much more bearable on a budget when the weather is good. A bottle of Lidl wine, a six pack of Dutch Gold, a patch of grass and some sandwiches wrapped in foil. Im really looking forward to dining Al Cheapo Fresco with The Bro, Gizmo and Hewhoobeys once this coming July doesnt turn out to be the Julember of our Discontent

Forget the Doom agus Gloom, its time to Party.

2009-03-07T10:40:00.008Z

The blog over at pix.ie reminded me St Patricks Day is almost here and I reckon its time to take a break from talk of doom agus gloom and enjoy the biggest street party of the year.

Last year, being the lazy sod that I am, I made my way to a bar on Dame Street. Upstairs, I found a window seat, settled down with a cold pint, a warm stool and arguably the best view in the whole of Dublin (better even than the VIP Festival Grandstand);Satisifed, I proceeded to snap away with my trusty Canon.
The buzz was mighty and spirits stayed high all day.

I recall my daughter pointing to a man nearby; "Thats Joe Duffy" says she. "No way", I replied,"sure Joe Duffy is way too famous to be drinking in the same bar as us, and anyway, that fella looks a bit dishevelled, look at the state of his shoes. I'll bet ye a tenner it isnt him!". I marched over and tapped him on the shoulder: "Exsqueeze me Sir, my young wan over there swears your Joe Duffy, but I told her, no way, Joe is way better looking". He swung around, looked me up and down and replied (in that same famous afternoon radio voice): "Dont I know you? Yes, I know you! You took part in the Glamourous Granny competition in Butlins a few years ago"! Touche Mr Duffy! Last time I was in Butlins was when I was 16! Tucking me tail firmly between my legs I proceeded back to my spot at the bar, took my tenner from the young one and ordered a jemmy!

The motto of the tale: on Patricks Day everyone is Irish, everyone is equal, and in the true Dublin bar style, ye have to enjoy a bit of friendly slagging! Fair play to ye Joe!

come on Argos, Explain yourselves!

2009-03-06T23:59:00.005Z

Click on the image below to see a copy of an email Ive sent to Argos regarding the price difference between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. As soon as I receive a reply I will post it here.

Update Tuesday 10th March.
Here is the reply I received from Argos:

Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for your e-mail.

Prices in our Republic of Ireland catalogue are based on a number of factors, of which the exchange rates at the time of going to print is one. All prices are inclusive of taxes. The price of items may change during the six month life of the catalogue to reflect promotions and offers but will not fluctuate in line with the exchange rates.

Sorry for any disappointment caused.

Should you require any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact us at order.enquiries@argos.co.uk or call us on 0845 640 3030.

Regards,

Summer Harris
Argos Direct E-Commerce Customer Service Team.

Well...Im not impressed at all with that reply. There they go trotting out the same old line - exchange rates at time of going to print. Load of sh-ite. Though when I heard on the radio this morning that social welfare payment in Northern Ireland are only one quarter of social welfare payments in the republic I realised that the truth of the matter is this: prices reflect customers willingness and ability to pay them.

Introducing The Bro!

2009-03-06T12:24:00.003Z

When I asked The Bro what he would do
if I embedded him in my blog he replied:

Well thats what I think anyway!

2009-03-05T22:47:00.005Z

How could lower interest rates encourage lending? Surely low interest rates make lending an unattractive option to the banks when risk of default is high and profit on loans historically low.

Property is still an effective way of keeping an economy running. Houses need all sorts of materials in their building and fitting and people need to furnish their new homes. How would we encourage banks to lend and the public to borrow.

The old rule of thumb suggested that a single borrower, having a 20 per cent deposit, should be able to borrow 2.5 times their annual income. Thus someone on an average income of 33,000 pa with a 20,000 deposit can afford a property of about 110,000 euro. You wont get a one bed box for that anywhere in Ireland in March 09.

Property prices still have a long way to fall and they should be allowed to fall so that first time buyers can realistically buy property.

But, what of the hundreds of thousands of people who currently hold mortages and remortages costing twice or three times the true (not current) value of their poperties? They are the ultimate losers in all of this! They're the ones who have been taken to the cleaners by the greed of bankers, developers, auctioneers and fellow house buyers.

If we facilitate them by keeping house prices artificially high then no new home can or should be bought.

A fixed term low interest rate of about 1.5 per cent for these existing mortagees might be one way of allowing them to play catch up with new home owners in the near to mid term.

In the meantime a fixed higher rate of about 5 per cent for those taking new loans would encourage banks to lend and since the rate would be fixed over a period borrowers could be confident that repayments would stay the same regardless.

I also read that the German government has a scheme to facilitate employers in retaining staff on a shorter working week basis. This retains jobs and confidence in the economy while saving the state considerable amounts in unemployment benefits.

Another great idea.Well thats what I think anyway!

Job wanted. Salary expectation: Anything over 12,000 eur pa.

2009-03-05T14:02:00.004Z

Last year I predicted escalating job losses as companies who supplied sales or services to the building industry and to new home owners saw a crash in their sales. I also predicted the demise of at least one major retailer.. actually what we have seen ..and what I had not predicted is the loss of jobs in companies which had no association with property or consumer sentiment ..these job losses are with multinationals and are a result of the effects of the global crash.
Ok, so with interst rates at rock bottom, with sales in all our shops, with services costing less many people have more cash in their pockets than last year but the Irish people now know that within months they will have less money as they are hit by a serious of tax increases in the coming year. Nobody yet knows how much these taxes will amount to and this is leading to uncertainty and fear.

The loss of equity in their homes is also a cause of concern. We have become used to using our homes to raise cash for all manner of goods and services. This is no longer an option. There is also widespread concern over losses of the value of pensions and investments. We may still have the same amount of money in our pockets as this time last year...but we all know that going forward this will not be the case and we are all going to be poorer. Job security is gone for many as is the belief that one can leave ones job and find another. The employer is once again king. For parents there is a possiblity of the return of third level fees and the knowledge that their offspring who will be completing their education in the next few years cannot be sure that they will find a job in Ireland. There is also the knowledge that the global downturn means our children may not have the luxury of emigration.

Ireland now is a very different place to the ireland of the recessionary 80s. We have a large number of immigrants who have arrived here in the last decade and many of these immigrants could be termed disadvantaged and rely heavily on social welfare. Fianna Fail have put into place a wide selction of tax breaks for those who invested in properties in recent years and many of these properties are being paid for on the double. The taxpayer pays the rent for those who cannot afford to pay it for themselves and then further subsidises that rental in the form of tax breaks to landlords. It seems that the cost of our social welfare bills will be going up and up. I fail to see how we can carry on paying out social welfare and I include rents etc in this.

Unemployement is expected to peak at five hundred thousand this year. It would seem that the next couple of years will see most of the people now on the dole stuck there...and the increasingly hard pressed tax payer will have to foot the bill for their welfare payments .Vat which was increased in the last budget is now pushing more and more people to spend their money in the north. If the government raise vat they will end up decreasing their tax take... an excellent road system means that a person living in Dublin can be across the border in an hour and can save up to 50 per cent on their bills.

So going forward we will be going backward....higher taxes...lower net worth...more difficulty in borrowing. Yes folks its back to basics going forward. The luxeries we thought of as essentials will have to go. Wages will fall. taxes will rise. A good proportion of those people who have become unemployed of late will not get jobs and unlike the 80s many of these people have large mortages and a life style based on the celtic tiger. There is no doubt that many of these people will lose their homes and so we will see an increase in those needing to be housed by the state. Lawlessness which has grown in our streets and estates over the last few years will not go away. One expects that battles between drug lords will become more intense as demand for their products decreases. Morale in our security and health services will decline. Should a garda, whom the state has treated with disdain, put his life on the line for that same state. Hospitals that couldnt function properly when there was plenty of money can hardly be expected to improve when times are bad.
The waste lands and boarded up hovels that we passed each day in the 80s are being replaced with shiny empty new buildings, ghost retail parks, and empty apartments that are so badly built they wouldnt even be considered fit for social housing.

Beware those who will try to encourage you to part with your money..those who say there was never a better time to buy that house, car or holiday home. They lie. house prices will fall further...interest rates will eventually rise, fuel prices will increase and our pockets will be hit further. Its time to baton down the hatches. conserve...budget and be very very careful.

Things will improve. Things always do. And those with a few bob left in their pockets, or a good idea will be best placed to jump on the gravy train when it arrives next time around. In the meantime, I, recently unemployed, have decided to adopt the following approach in securing employment. whatever a prospective employer is offering I will jump in and offer to work for 20 per cent less. For any business person reading this..I would assume that you are currently paying your admistrative staff salaries ranging from 25 to 35 thousand euro per annum. I will do the same job, I will do it better and I will do it for 20 thousand.

If you are interested leave me a comment.

Gunfight at the Garda Coral

2009-02-23T12:32:00.002Z

Moldovian shot in front of 3 children in grounds of Garda Social Club
According to this mornings news Garda believe the shooting was as a result of a feud within the Moldovan community. Both men were carrying guns but the victims gun may have locked.

What strikes me is this: Its bad enough that the drug gangs are carrying guns but now randomers in our immigrant communities are also packing deadly weapons. For all you or I know, the guy in the car ahead of us at the traffic lights has a pipe bomb in the boot. Perhaps our neighbour has an AK47 at the ready inside his hall door. We now live in a country where a gun subculture exists, life is less safe and any one of us could fall foul of someone who has a weapon and is prepared to use it.

Reality Cheque!

2009-02-22T10:18:00.004Z

A couple of years ago a young woman with whom i worked announced that she was moving jobs as she felt that her 30,000 pa salary wasnt sufficient remuneration for answering the phone and inputting sales orders. You see, she had awarded herself the grand title of Account Exec and felt that such a title entitled her to a wage of 35,000. My gut feeling at the time was that the role should realistically be paying 10 thousand less per year but my colleagues considered this a sign that I was from a previous generation totally out of touch with the reality of the celtic tiger. I belived that I was right and I have been proved so. Wages in the private sector have tumbled since then and should this young woman now take her experience and skills to a new employer she would be lucky to make 25,000 pa. I am prepared to work at the lower rate and since I did'nt borrow in the good times I can afford to work for that. In the coming months a new wave of jobseekers will come on the market with lower salary expectations. Private sector employers know this. Right now they are culling their workforces in the knowledge that should markets improve down the road they will be able to re-hire at a lower rate. I can live with that reality but can my ex-colleague? She now finds herself servicing debts taken on the strength of an unrealistic wage. Should oil prices and interest rates increase in the future then she and thousands like her will be in big trouble. This is the reality that will be hitting the purses and pockets of the nation in the coming years.

Revolution Cancelled!

2009-02-21T20:21:00.014Z

It could have been a revolution especially when the marchers reached Government Buildings to the sound of Dylan echoing down Merrion Square. The times they are a changing.

The mood was festive and sombre all at once and bemused tourists lined the route smiling and delighted with this unexpected parade.
These budding revolutionaries and activists were mostly middle aged and middle class but remember Versailles. Wasnt it common folk who rallied when Marie Antionette asked why they couldnt just eat cake and shut up complaining.

Yes there could have been a revolution, but, there wasnt! What started off so promisingly fizzled out as David Begg (ICTU) took to the microphone and proceeded to tell protesters what they already knew. Close your eyes and you could have been listening to a report on News at One or Drivetime. Doom and gloom, says Mr Begg, Greed, Capitalism, Corruption; He listed the reasons to be uncheerful at great length. And that, as they say, was that!

The crowd clapped agreeably and he read a message of solidarity from the British TUC. Then he sent them all home. A handful of jovial stragglers lined placards against Anglo Irish's Stephens Green Branch and were enjoying a spot of coin throwing as they laughed at how the bank needed money.

Biffo and Brian neednt have bothered stockpiling up the champagne and caviar. There would be no siege, this was Not a Bastile moment and the public sector workers neatly deposited their placards in bins and went off to the pub for a pint

Brian v The Unions

2009-02-14T21:00:00.001Z

Social Partnership is over. It ended when Brian Cowan marched into the dail on the morning after talks with the social partners collapsed! His decision to go ahead with the public service levy was the equivalant of giving the Unions the proverbial finger.
Well, lads, the fight is about to begin. The unions have donned their gloves and are punching the air to the approval of their supportive audience.
In Cowans corner a bunch of glum guys in suits shout conflicting instructions and orders about how he should proceed but there are no cheers to be heard.
Yes, Social Partnership is over, the bout is on and the bell has just rang for the first round!

Dont worry, the boys will look after each other.

2009-02-14T13:40:00.005Z

If there was an award for annoying the nation Cowan & Co would win outright. Why are they targeting special needs children? Why are they targeting public transport? Why are they dipping their fingers in the empty purses of the general populace? Why do they say they must make tough and unpopular decisions whether the people like it or not and yet they are incapable of taking tough and unpopular decisions with regard to themselves, their banking cronies, their ineffectual senior civil servants and their speculator friends.

Fianna Fail elite, Banking elite, Business elite, Public Service elite; These people represent a section of society separate and elevated above Joe Public. Their children attend the same schools, their wives lunch in the same cafes and pamper themselves in the same spas; They are members of the same golf clubs, and they are part of the same 'old boy' private school network.

The elite will shelter and protect their own for as long as they can.
Its always been like that. Deal with it!

Is it classes or glasses for Lenihan?

2009-02-12T13:45:00.005Z

Go to the blackboard Brian and write one thousand times 'I messed up again".

Honestly! Does the man need new glasses? Has he difficulty reading? Or did he just think "feck that" and fling the Anglo report in the dustbin??

Bad news with 1200 job loss at SR Technics. Did I detect a note of weary resignation in Minister Coughlans response, which amounted to a shrug of the shoulder and sigh of regret.

Yknow what. I'm getting fed up of listening to the same auld lies and excuses coming from the people we are paying to run this country. I'm tired of the whining business people who would sooner cut the minimum wage than lose their profits and benefits in kind. The Irish people are ready for action, A National Day of protest is being planned and the government must realise that a rebellious populace is dangerous in a small country like ours. Remember Versailles. Anyway, if theres a protest I will be there, and so should you.

The award for the news item that made me most want to hit the radio goes to: RYANAIR who are blaming the governments ten euro travel tax on their plan to cut flights to Dublin leading to 200 job losses this summer. Is O'Leary taking the piss or what? He said on lunchtime news that having to pay the extra tenner is offputting to potential passengers but he doesnt seem to think they'll mind paying thirty quid for the luxury of carrying their duty free onto the plane in a plastic bag!!

Will yez ever stop moaning.

2009-02-11T14:38:00.007Z

Every Tom Dick and Mc Williams is giving out shite.
Howls of protest are heard everywhere. Its always the same moan: why do the people have to wear hairshirts to save the country while the powers that be get a fat bonus and the powers that were get a generous pension.
I suggest that the question is naive.
The reason we have to pay is simple. The status quo at the top must be preserved.
This nation is like a human pyramid. A few stand on the shoulders of the multitude. If the multitudes leave the formation the top will collapse.
As far as the likes of government ministers or senior bankers are concerned, you can give out till youve no voice left; The main thing is that you stay in formation and preserve the pyramid!
Brian Cowan knows, I know, and you know, that Joe Soap loves nothing better than a good loud moan but he rarely steps too far out of line.

Get yer wellies out Lads!

2009-02-10T18:37:00.004Z

Wanna take your wellies for a walk? Try Here!
I just got a pair of wellies. A pair of bright pink very expensive wellies from Office. The only reason I got designer ones was coz I couldnt find a pair of plain black wellies in my size. And I Absolutely had to have wellies. The puddles in Corkagh Park have turned into pools which have grown into ponds. There's no avoiding the muck and the water. Its been getting steadily worse since last spring and the recent snow hasnt helped. You know, I cant understand why I didnt treat myself to a pair years ago. Years ago I wouldnt be seen dead in wellies, instead I sidestepped and offtracked to avoid getting my feet wet. This week I happily splashed along...looking for water deep enough to challenge my pink boots. No muck is too squelchy and no doom is too gloomy for me lovely smellington boots!. Its very theraputic you see! A total recession buster. Its brillo...liberating even! I feel like ten again Im telling yez! Get yer wellies out!

Why You need a Midweek Break!

2009-02-05T23:27:00.006Z

I decided to watch the news on the telly tonight. I'm an avid follower of talk radio but watching the nations woes shaken out on my 42 inch HDLCD is something else! I sat there gobsmacked, frightening notions forming and unforming in my shocked mind.
Heres an idea of the sort of thing that was going down between my ears.
!!!Jeeze all these shots of soon-to-be-unemployed workers marching dejectedly
from shiny buildings reminds me of the 80s (except for the shiny buildings)!!!
!!!But No! this is'nt the 80s, back then we got news of company closures and hundreds of layoffs every other week now its several a day!!!
!!!God, the public servants (and that includes the ones we really need like guards and nurses and people who make sure my unemployment cheque is in the post) are'nt
taking the pension levy lying down!!!
!!!Why is the reporter suggesting that private employees (the rest of us) think the public servant guys deserve all they dont get. Is he trying to start a war?!!!
!!!It looks like the civil servants are taking on the government!!!
!!!Who'll win?!!!
!!!Are we witnessing a breakdown of society as we knew it?!!!
!!!Time to start digging a tunnel and filling it with provisons?!!!
!!!Enough food and water for 3 months and enough whiskey and ciggerettes for 10!!!
(at this point the bro rang and predicted that Fianna
Fail back benchers would be seen legging it out of the dail waving adieu while muttering 'we quit'!
Anyway you get my point...I was well and truely rattled.

And then I remembered the advice given on a recent RTe radio show by a respected
psychiatrist. She was dealing with the feeling of impending doom and associated depression being experienced by many Irish people. The fact that others too were
worried, enough to merit a radio piece during prime time, far from reassuring me worried me even more. Up till then I had persuaded myself that maybe, as a result
of unwanted spare time, my mind was wandering overtime and making things look worse.
Anyways, Ive decided to try and take the advice given during the show. Summed up it amounts to this: Give yourself a break and dont listen to the news or read the papers for a few days. Ban any discussion of the economy or banks or politics
within earshot. Ignore it all and enjoy quality time with famiy and friends. Pretend it isnt happening. Call it a mid-week Break.
But before I baton down the hatches let me add this:
Brian&Brian are a Pr mans nightmare. They just dont have what it takes to
get the people onside.
(A joke heard recently on the radio) Guy goes to the bank to withdraw cash, "insufficient funds" the cashier said. "Who me or you"? he asked?

I love it when I spot a trend first!!!!

2009-02-05T22:40:00.003Z

My handful of avid readers may have forgotten but a while back
I mentioned that I believed 'Being seen to be poor' was coming into fashion!
Today I read that the great Chanel has coined a phrase for the latest
trend: "New Modesty". Apparently Bling is out out out, Understated is in.
I told you so!

There may be trouble ahead (or maybe Im reading too many newspapers)

2009-01-18T21:21:00.005Z

Things arent looking good for Cowen & Co with some of his own cabinet and backbenchers appearing willing to jump ship. The Independent reports a deep unease within the Cabinet over Thursday's nationalisation of Anglo Irish bank, with several ministers claiming this weekend they were railroaded into agreeing the move without discussion'
we also hear that 'Minister of State John Maloney, said of Brian Cowen 10 days ago: “No-one knows what’s gone wrong with him. This is not the man we know.”
If John, who, reports tell us is a close friend of Cowens, is worried then Im worried!
The taoiseach lost credibility when he stated yesterday

that for Anglo, it's a case of "business as usual

Was he unaware of Brian Lenihans earlier statement that there had been 'a run of deposits out of the bank last week, leaving it in a very “fragile” position,
did he know that today the government are taking the step of freezing the anglo deposits of those who owe the bank in excess of 20million ( A typical example of finding the stables empty but having to be seen to 'do' something). Yeah, contradictions are worrying in these times.
Reading Gene Kerrigans article in the Indo does nothing but add to the rising tension. He warns '"If this goes wrong -- and it's going that way now -- the country will go bankrupt, the State won't be able to borrow or pay dole or pensions or wages for nurses or teachers. The potential consequences are enormous
Scary stuff indeed. He then goes on to query the Nationalisation of Anglo and quotes Morgan Kelly, professor of economics at UCD,who said in December "the bailout of Anglo Irish follows a compelling political logic. Anglo Irish funds developers, and developers fund Fianna Fail. By any other criterion, a bailout of Anglo Irish is senseless".
Nothing new there, this is just the Bertieboom version of the brown paper bag and this culture of cronyism was noted by Labour's finance spokesperson Joan Burton who said that the government plans in relation to Anglo "reek of connections between Fianna Fail and developers and of banks with developers
So with hints and allegations abounding, the most interesting article today was from Daniel O Connell at the Independent who revealed 'that leading legal firms in Dublin have confirmed they have begun discussions with Anglo shareholders about taking a class action against the bank's auditors, Ernst and Young, the Financial Regulator and possibly Sean FitzPatrick, the disgraced former chairman, and other Anglo board members....they confirmed that this potenentially multi-million euro class action is being prepared as a result of the collapse in the bank's share price.'
More power to the shareholders we say, they're baying for blood and there's no predicting what may be uncovered in an investigation unfettered by government intervention. There'll be tossing and turning aplenty in the ministerial beds.

Interesting times indeed.

You heard it first here!

2009-01-17T01:08:00.002Z

Bought a very nice pair of jeans for a fiver at my local Dunnes Stores this evening. The label had the brand name blacked out but on close inspection it turned out to bear the 'george' label. For those who dont know, George is a clothing label used by Asda. Asda, by the way, is owned by Walmart.

Across the country, shoppers are puzzled by the empty shelves at Dunnes branches this January. I spoke with a member of staff and they admitted that theyd been told that Asda were taking over but major changes would not come into effect for a year or two. So,, Margaret Heffernan, whats the story? Is Dunnes really Irish like your advert says?

When Irish is'nt Oirish

2008-12-30T22:15:00.004Z

There was I feeling a bit guilty after my bumper shopping trip to Newry. A bit unpatriotic. Even, taking into account the fact that a Man U Jersey costing 28 sterling in Lifestyle, Newry had doubled in price to 60 euro when I hit Lifestyle, Liffey Valley a pleasant hours drive later, my concience was still niggling me. Which is why, today, in Dunnes Stores, Clondalkin, shopping for our New Years Family Feast I decided upon a turkey, an Irish turkey no less, reared on an Irish farm and bought in an Irish store, on the 'oirish' Irish part of the island.
The frozen cabinet was choc a block with frozen english birds but at the chilled counter I spied a label that proclaimed 'Fresh Irish Turkey'. "That'll do nicely" thought I. Until shock of shocks, I noted that the supplier was in Co Antrim and the UK stamp confirmed that this bird was definitely British. "C'mere" says I to a youngish fella called Glen, and told him how I wanted a Real Irish Turkey. Glen waffled, and who can blame him really. "Ah now missus" says he, in the sort of mildly flirtatious manner employed primarily by young men trying to get on the right side of grumpy aul ones, "that turkey was only Packaged up the North, its Definitely an Oirish Bird"! Starting to warm for a fight, I pointed out that Co Antrim was given as the farm of origin. Glen still didnt quite get it. Or maybe he just enjoyed chatting to me. At any rate, and for no explicable reason, he carried on trying to defend his employer, and explained patiently to me that in the end the money was going into the hands of an Oirish company and wasnt that just my point: And at any rate it wasnt Dunnes fault, the Oirish Turkey Farmers couldnt keep up with this years demand. I began to tire of all this waffle. If this was a game of chess I was about to deliver the checkmate. Says I, "Sigh, but Glen, isnt the label misleading when it says Fresh Irish Turkey? Wouldnt the Department of Something or Othr have something to say about that?".
Glen was down, I could almost hear the ref start to count him out, but no, with all of the determination of Rocky, he sprung back, "I will go and have a word with the manager" says he and danced off to his corner. A few minutes later his manager had sent him back into the ring. "Well" says he gleefully "I have the answer for ye, Bord Bia the Government Irish Food Body have approved the label so its all fine!
I lowered my eyes, smiled the humble smile of the defeated and retreated. Game and set to Dunnes for their loyal employees (including the redoubtable Glen) and friends in Bord Bia.
Match?
Ive emailed Bord Bia just to be on the safe side. Im hoping that they can confirm why this labling is Not misleading.
Im wondering if maybe I'm not the only one tempted to buy north of the border while sterling is weak.
Maybe wholesalers are taking the same steps to save a few bob.
The future looks bleaker and its every turkey farmer for himself.

Its all about saving money.

2008-12-16T13:16:00.000Z

I just heard on the news that the HSE plan to cut back on A&E overheads by introducing a policy where emergency services will only be available from certain hospitals on rotation. The A&E departments of all our major hospitals are grossly overcrowded and have been for some time. Not enough trolleys, not enough nurses, not enough doctors...not enough A&E departments to go around.

Yes, the HSE is right as usual...A&E is a huge drain on HSE resources.

But why stop there I suggest. Why not just refuse to take any more patients. Patients, in my opinion, are the biggest drain on the precious HSE purse!
Get rid of the patients and you halve the bill immediately. Firstly you dont need nurses. Saving! You dont need half as many catering staff (since they will only be catering for staff). Saving! Fuel bills, food bills, laundry bills. Cut by two thirds. Saving Saving Saving.

The HSE could offer voluntary redundancy to staff in Adminstration, maintenance and junior doctors thus cutting the cost of the wage bill that the public are so fond of harping on about. Saving.

What about consultants and senior HSE staff I hear you ask! Well obiously they will have to be retained. Its a hospital after all! You cant have a hospital without consultants and managers....How silly of you!

Its December

2008-12-02T13:11:00.006Z

I still cant believe the year has passed so fast however I've really enjoyed the cold clear November days .

The low winter sun transformed the colours of lakeside rushes and last leaves to deep rusty tones and Jack Frost decorated the undergrowth with a topping of ice.

Perspective

2008-11-30T20:59:00.004Z

Well this web page speaks for itself..impressive:

Is Autumn over already?

2008-11-20T01:59:00.004Z

I cant believe it..the trees almost bare,
an early snowfall that dusted the Dublin mountains with an unseasonal white
and Christmas Decorations fighting for space with
the bottles of cheap plonk at my local Dunnes!
Somethings not right!
My body clock thinks its mid september.
Opening my credit card bill has given me that 'groundhog day' feeling each month since February.
Im having nightmares about getting lost under an avalanche of overpriced aftershave gift boxes at Boots.
And, OH YEAH, I've still got wind after last years excess of bread sauce, whiskey trifle and mince pies.

Is this what it feels like when the acceleration in the expansion of the universe causes the space time continum to speed up before its swift reversal towards collapse.
Is it the end of the world?
Will we be celebrating last christmas next christmas as time goes into reverse?

I guess what Im trying to say is: "is it just me or is time really flying?"

by Nolene.Mac

2008-11-20T01:38:00.006Z

EXCLUSIVE!!!

to dontforgetthecamera

I continue to post images on my Flickr site but I plan
on uploading some 'exclusive' images on this blog. These are inspired by the amazingly
talented photographers who fill the web with their creations.
Oh yeah..and the signature...well lets just say Im having a 'madonna moment'..Im reinventing myself temporarily!!!

A little bit about ME!

2008-09-02T18:01:00.006+01:00

Now I have'nt really put anything on my profile and Im sure my millions of fans are interested in my day to day life. Well writing about it seemed boring so I thought..lets give the people what they REALLY want: an invitation to join me in my kitchen: ENJOY

2008-08-24T01:03:00.006+01:00

During my visit to the Costa Blanca, we took a drive around the lake at La Pedrera near San Miguel de Salinas.
The vivid green water contrasted against a blue sky was spectacular and matched only by the deep ochre sandstone cliffs at Aquamarina near Cabo Roig.

A treatise on the effect of climate on expectation.

2008-08-23T23:07:00.003+01:00

"Deport me". Thats what I felt like saying to immigration officials when I landed at Dublin last Wednesday. 3 weeks in my beloved Spain went way to fast.
Yknow its the little things about the Costa Blanca that make me love it so. Like: strolling home at 4 in the morning, its sooooo warm...(strolling in Dublin is more about penance than pleasure); Getting a bookies tan...(thats the tan you get on your legs and arms on your way to spend the siesta backing horses at a euro each way with your friendly (and illegal) pub bookie; Drinking so much booze that you resort to white wine and sprite to save your liver any undue damage; Warm seas; Happy smiley people; Being able to just 'pop in' to visit friends..(something we never do at home). Ahhh Yes....... and those long afternoons when I contemplated my toes in the sand while I supped at a beer and munched a plate of olives and squid rings.
Still, strangely enough, after two weeks of discussing at length whether 'today was hotter than yesterday", I noticed.....a cloud! Immediately my conversations became filled with speculative questioning on the possibility of rain. "ah yes, the breeze seems to be coming from the northwest" "is that rain I spy on the eastern horizon?" "do ye think there might be a storm on the way?".
Its funny, I think, what 40 odd years of living in the Irish climate can do to a person.

A little bit of sunshine

2008-07-26T09:01:00.004+01:00

I leave on my annual pilgrimage to Spain on Monday and Im looking forward to the novelty of long hot sunny days followed by long hot sultry nights
.
Nothing, though, can top the feeling of joy and possibility experienced when an Irish summers day dawns sunny and warm.

A field full of wildflowers and butterflies.

The scent of freshly mown grass.

The lazy buzz of insects about their business.

And me, camera at the ready, chasing that perfect shot.

Summer in Clondalkin

2008-07-22T10:49:00.005+01:00

The sun made a welcome appearance at Corkagh Parks annual Family day last Sunday..

Kids of all ages enjoyed Punch and Judy, magicians, music from Rap and Samba bands..a doggy obstacle course and of course a ride on the Noddy Train.

You'll never guess where I was today

2008-07-21T23:02:00.005+01:00

Ok...so.....the Earth speeds around the Sun at ...oh...67,000 miles p/h. The Sun (Earth in tow) rushs round the Galaxy at 486,000 miles per hour....and there was I feeling guilty that I'd barely got of my arse all day!
Ive travelled a billion miles since breakfast!

'The Bro' remarked last night that the space we inhabit today will be zillions of miles away by tomorrow. So I checked! Apparently, it takes the Sun a whole 225 million years to make one revolution of the Galaxy. The last time Earth passed this way...the dinosaurs were grazing in a spot I now call my garden!
Talk about a life of travel and adventure?
Im knackered!!!!!!!

I love Clondalkin

2008-07-20T02:38:00.005+01:00

The Round Tower at Clondalkin was built by monks as a defence against Viking pirates more than a thousand years ago.

You would'nt guess from the image above that a busy road runs between the graveyard wall and the tower.

Every day hundreds of people pass but I wonder if they appreciate this monument in their midst.

How Poker can save our Economy

2008-07-19T12:42:00.002+01:00

First impressions Matter..so I chose this image for my very first post:

Image: He won with this Hand By Nolene

I love Texas Holdem Poker. Its not just about gambling you know; Its a game of potential; Any two cards in the right hand can be profitable..he who dares (sometimes) wins...she who procrasinates (often) loses...and, as in life, the more chips you've got at your disposal the more clout you carry.

Ive heard it said that poker takes 5 minutes to learn and a lifetime to master. The same could be said of photography..though as a recent graduate to SLR cameras I reckon it takes a lot longer than 5 minutes to learn how find your way around Fstops and Shutterspeeds.

Yes Poker is my 'sport of choice'....which leads me (somewhat improbably) on to the matter of recent Irish job losses and the complaint that: This job could be done just as well in Bangalore as in Belmullet and Bangalore is cheaper; That job would be safe if only cash strapped young people would continue to sell their souls to the banks for a mortgage on a 2 bed overpriced box apartment. Well 'She Who Knows A Bit About Everything' reckons we should consider alternative industries: She suggests re-inventing a corner of Ireland as the Las Vegas of Europe. Any small town with an airport nearby has potential. We'd all be Winners: construction, service and hospitality industries, transport and entertainment sectors too. And think of the potential tax bonanza.
Yep...Pokers definitely a game of Potential!!!